Indie Epics

Indie heavyweights Death Cab For Cutie and My Morning Jacket both have new CDs coming out later this year. Both have released advance singles from their new collections of work, and both singles clock in at more than eight minutes.

Death Cab's "I Will Possess Your Heart" has a five minute introduction featuring a driving bass line and slowly building orchestration. When Ben Gibbard finally opens his mouth, we learn that he will...er...possess your heart. Maybe he's been watching The Temple of Doom in anticipation of the new Indiana Jones movie.

My Morning Jacket's "Touch Me I'm Going to Scream Part 2" starts off as a big departure from MMJ's latest output on Z. Some electronic ambiance and bleeps and bloops start things off before Jim James comes in with all of his reverb-saturated glory. Though I haven't heard any other songs from MMJ's forthcoming Evil Urges, this track suggests another change in direction for Louisville's finest. Thus far, this moody new sound fits the band well.

While most radio programs would shy away from playing eight minute rock songs, Elliot Potter relishes it!

Death Cab For Cutie - I Will Possess Your Heart

My Morning Jacket - Touch Me I'm Going To Scream Part 2

The 80s in 08

I'm starting to get that bleached-jean feeling again.

The 1980s sound is back in full force with new releases by Aussie outfit Cut Copy and French composer Anthony Gonzalez, aka M83.

Cut Copy's In Ghost Colours takes over where 2004's Bright Like Neon Love left off, but in the process refining and maturing the band's sound. I think it's safe to say that Cut Copy isn't influenced by the music of the 1980s, but rather is creating new music to extend the Reagan era into a post-W world. After a couple of listens, I found myself bobbing my head and making awkward herky-jerky movements that some, though not many, would consider "dancing." My wife was amused.

M83's Saturday = Youth pays homage to young love through synthesizer-drenched compositions that call to mind the best of 1980s cinema. It is no surprise that Cocteau Twins producer Ken Thomas also produced Saturday = Youth, though I was shocked by how different this album sounded compared to my previous exposure to M83. I was ready for dramatic instrumental compositions with a thunderous crescendo, and instead found myself transported back to my pre-teen years.

Cut Copy - Lights and Music

M83 - Kim & Jessie

Elliot Potter has arrived!

You may have noticed that Night Music has disappeared from the SEPR schedule. We now have a new format with mysterious origins.

We received a stack of CDs at the station with a note that read: "Don't hurt yourself. Have a great summer! -Elliot Potter."

You can hear this exciting, new, and innovative program weeknights from 10-midnight on your radio at 90.9 or 88.9fm or, at our website.

For now, enjoy some ear candy.

Cloud Cult - Everybody Here is a Cloud

Basia Bulat - Snakes and Ladders

It's delicious.